Personal flotation device

Abstract

A personal flotation device is provided with a shell including a pair of elements joined to form a continuous pocket for receiving buoyant materials. The shell has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first and second end portions have a first part and a second part. Each second part has a strap connected thereto, such that the straps extend away from the second parts to a first coupler defining a neck hole. The intermediate portion has a strap extending away therefrom to a second coupler. Connecting the first and second couplers defines a pair of opposing armholes.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A flotation vest, comprising: 
       a shell including a pair of front parts and a back part cooperatively defining a continuous internal cavity;  
       each said front part having a torso portion, a lapel portion, a first side and a second side;  
       said back part interconnecting the first side of each said front part;  
       a buoyancy means disposed within the internal cavity defined in each said front part torso and lapel portions and said back part;  
       the second side of each said front part disposed for operative association with said other second side;  
       a pair of shoulder straps connected to the shell;  
       each one of said pair of shoulder straps having a fixed length and connected to a free end of each said lapel portion and extending therefrom terminating at a first coupling element such that a neck hole is defined; and,  
       a back strap connected to said back part and extending therefrom to engage said first coupling element such that a pair of oppositely disposed armholes are defined,  
       whereby said vest accommodates various differently dimensioned wearers and provides uninhibited arm motion.  
     
     
       2. The vest as recited in  claim 1  wherein said shell further includes an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer defining said cavity. 
     
     
       3. The vest as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said fabric layers are formed of a woven fabric material. 
     
     
       4. The vest as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said woven fabric material is selected from coated or uncoated nylon, reinforced nylon, polyester, or polypropylene woven fabrics and PVC-reinforced nylon and polypropylene woven fabric materials. 
     
     
       5. The vest as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said buoyancy means is a synthetic closed cell material. 
     
     
       6. The vest as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said synthetic material is selected from polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polypropylene foam materials. 
     
     
       7. The vest as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first coupling element is variably disposed at a distance from said back element so that said distance varies from juxtaposed to a first end of said back element to a furthest extent of said back strap. 
     
     
       8. The vest as recited in  claim 1 , further including a device for selectively interconnecting said second edge of each front element. 
     
     
       9. The vest as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said device includes a zipper. 
     
     
       10. The vest as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said buoyancy means includes a unitary sheet of material. 
     
     
       11. The vest as recited in  claim 1 , further including at least one circumferential strap having a releasable closure adapted for affixing said strap about said shell of said vest when disposed on a wearer. 
     
     
       12. The vest as recited in  claim 1 , further including at least one pocket disposed on at least one of said front elements. 
     
     
       13. A flotation vest, comprising: 
       a shell including a pair of sheet elements joined to cooperatively form a continuous pocket for receiving a buoyancy means;  
       said shell having a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion connecting the first and second end portions;  
       said first and second end portions each having a first part generally configured to the intermediate portion and a second part formed extending above each first part;  
       said buoyancy means disposed within the pocket in the first and second parts and the intermediate portion;  
       each said second part having a strap connected thereto at a free end of the second part opposite the first part;  
       said straps extend from each said free end to a first coupler defining a neck hole; and,  
       said intermediate portion including an intermediate strap connected thereto and extending therefrom,  
       whereby releasably connecting said intermediate strap and said first coupler defines a pair of armholes in opposition.  
     
     
       14. The vest as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said elements are formed from a woven fabric. 
     
     
       15. The vest as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said woven fabric is formed from a synthetic material. 
     
     
       16. The vest as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said woven fabric may be selected from the group consisting essentially of coated or uncoated nylon, reinforced nylon or polyester, polypropylene woven fabrics, and PVC-reinforced polypropylene woven fabric materials. 
     
     
       17. The vest as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said buoyancy means includes a plurality of buoyant elements, including a first end buoyant element, a second end buoyant element, and an intermediate buoyant element. 
     
     
       18. The vest as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said buoyant elements are formed from a synthetic closed cell material. 
     
     
       19. The vest as recited in  claim 18 , wherein said synthetic closed cell material may be selected from the group consisting essentially of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene foam materials. 
     
     
       20. The vest as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said first coupler is disposed at a fixed distance from each said second part. 
     
     
       21. The vest as recited in  claim 13 , further including a first closure means for selectively connecting and disconnecting said first and second end portions. 
     
     
       22. The vest recited in  claim 13 , wherein said first closure means includes a zipper. 
     
     
       23. The vest as recited in  claim 13 , further including at least one circumferentially extending strap having a reclosable second closure means deposed adjacent said first closure means. 
     
     
       24. The vest as recited in  claim 13 , further including at least one pocket disposed on said shell. 
     
     
       25. The claim as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said first and second buoyant elements are dimensioned complimentary to said first and second end portions such that said first and second buoyant elements remain disposed therein. 
     
     
       26. The claim as recited in  claim 17 , wherein a longitudinal extent of said intermediate buoyant element is less than a longitudinal extent of said intermediate portion. 
     
     
       27. The claim as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said intermediate portion has an elastic band disposed in said pocket associated with a first edge and a second edge of said intermediate portion.